Single action revolver I need help!

P

plom

New member
I've allways wanted to own a single action revolver. Now it's the time, I own some other guns like a USP45, and Beretta 92 F. I like them but I've allways been revolver fan.
I want a Ruger blackhawk,or super blackhawk this gun will be my Hiking gun, I live in a mountain area so I would like a good allround caliber that I can use for defensive purpose too if needed. What would you guys recomand between a 44 mag with a 5 1/2" barrel or a 357 mag with a 6 1/2" barrel?
Is the 4 5/8" barrel too small? thanks for the help!
 
My own preference would be a 357 Magnum in 5.5" Bisley grip or Hunter might be what they call it. I would give a Taurus Gaucho in 45 Colt a good look first. Better revolver all the way around.
 
You should do a couple of searches on the forum with the terms "hiking" "revolver" "defense" or "hunting". There are previous threads covering this topic.

If you're going to seriously consider a revolver for self-defense, I would recommend getting a double action model. I have a Ruger GP100 4" .357 Magnum for when when I'm hiking. I'm not trying to deter you from getting a single action. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk 10" .44 Magnum for the range, hunting (if I chose to), and for something that goes BOOM.

jmm
 
I've got a Blackhawk (6.5 bl) and it's a great SA revolver. But, I'm not sure it's the gun you want for hiking. The caliber (.357) should be fine, but maybe a shorter barrel would be better.
 
I would agree with above. If I came to need a gun for defense, it means there isn't time to retreat. I wouldn't shoot any animal that I could otherwise back away from. (not hunting). If you are refering to big cats and bears, I would want to be able to pull the trigger and go bang. Single actions are for those who have the luxury of time and two hands. Don't get me wrong, I have several SAs myself, but they would not be my choice for defense. There was a time not long ago, when the 44mag was considered adequate for even brown bear. They must have changed the ballistics on them because now it's inadequate. I would consider the 44 if you were able to control it rapid firing. If you cannot, maybe the 357, 45colt.
 
Whatever you get do a lot of shooting. There was a case where a guy became food and the single action trigger was broken...He forgot, in his moment of peril to cock the pistol. I personally carry a Redhawk 44 mag.
 
thanks for the help :) I know double action revolver are faster, but there are no bears here, only wild pigs but they never attack unless you come too close from the small ones. What I was wondering is, is there any big difference in balistic between the 4 5/8 barrel and the 5 1/2 barrel? between those 2 barel lenghts and the 44 mag and 357 mag, what do u guys recomand as best allround caliber?
 
I would pick 357....maybe,

But then a 44 shooting 44 specials might be just as good. In my humble opinion most magnums for personal defense (read that as within 20ft) are over kill. A good 38+ hollow point or same in 44 special will drop anything coming at you in that range.

As I think about it, if you are dedicated to single action then I would go with the 44. the larger caliber is easier to shoot with regular loads and that's one big hunk of lead! For what you are talking about I would go with a longer barrel... even 7.5". If you go with like a Ruger Black hawk then you've got one good well made 'classic' gun.
 
One area not considered here is how do you plan on holstering it. All of the 44 Mags so far mention are big, heavy guns. I carried a S&W M29 when out and about in the desert and found that a hip carry had me walking lopsided after a long day. I shifted to a shoulder rig (this will even make a longer barrel easier to pack around) and found it much better. The only drawback was in really hot weather, it got uncomfortable.
So, if you are carrying for protection and not hunting, you might look into some of the light-weights that are available. They're not as pleasant to shoot, but a whole lot easier on the body for carry.
I also endorse that a DA is much better for a defense gun. However if what you are after is the look and feel of the old west, I would go with a Ruger .357 in a 4 5/8". (Carry in a high rig or shoulder holster and plenty of power).

Dean
 
For mountain carry I would either get a Ruger GP100 w/ 4 inch barrel or the Blackhawk in 4 5/8 barrel. Both in .357 magnum. My personal choice for the mountains is the GP100. Its a nice balance of size and power and when hiking or backpacking, size and weight are always an issue.
 
I agree with the comments on DA for SD. However, if as they say you are set on the single action...consider one of the Vaqueros-which are essentially fixed sight (and smoothed form) Blackhawks. I have a 5.5" .44 Mag that I shoot 66% .44 Specials - which can handle full house .mags when needed (bear/mt. lion country camping) and it is nice. Heavy on the hip after a long day though as mentioned. Still a nice piece. The .44s are no longer made with the advent of the New Model Vaqueros. However, maybe consider one of the New models in .357 5.5" - I've found the 5.5 to be the ultimate compromise in utility - handiness, ballistics and kick. Blackhawks in 6.5", while slightly less handy, are probably the functional best of the bunch. If getting a .357 DA, I'd get a 4" GP100 or Smith/Taurus. Unless seriously hunting as the gun's core duty, can't see the longer barrels. If I'm going for the handiness of the DA action, I'm also going for the handiness of a slightly more compact format.
 
The nice thing about a double action revolver is that it can be shot in single action. Best of both worlds in my opinion. Ruger redhawk 5.5" barrell would fit the bill.
 
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